Thomas Schlemmer

Thomas "Tom" L. Schlemmer, 84, of Huntertown, passed away at his home on Monday, January 30, 2023. He was born on February 12, 1938, to the late Marlyn "Mike" and Elva Schlemmer in Monroeville. Tom graduated from Hoagland High School in 1956, and he married his high school sweetheart, Doris Fry, the following year. After high school, he attended college and graduated from G.E. Apprentice School and Operating Engineer School. From 1960 to 1967, Tom was enlisted in the Army Reserves and was stationed at Fort Story and Fort Eustis in Virginia. Tom worked for Dana for 39 years, working his way to plant manager in Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas. After he retired from Eaton Corporation at 69 years old, he served on the Board for the Dana Non-Union Retiree Veba Trust. Tom and Doris built their farm — Schlemmer's Critter Haven Farm — in rural Huntertown over the last six decades. Their farm is truly a haven and has welcomed many, many animals over the years. Tom may be most well known in the llama world, showing a string of national champions, including SCHF Stormy Longstockings, SCHF Fancy Doublestar and SCHF Ironman. He was known as a fierce but humble competitor, and he was generous with his time and knowledge. He loved to talk to people at shows whether it was joking with the "old timers" or sharing knowledge with newcomers. Like any good Hoosier, Tom had a passion for basketball and played until he was 55… the age when he started flight school. He loved flying and was proud to own a Cessna 182. In his later years, he could be seen flying over the farm in his Sundog Powerchute. He had a passion for golf, as well — even practicing his swing every chance he got with whiffle balls at the farm. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in LaOtto for 55 years. Tom is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doris. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Jacob and Sandi Schlemmer, of Fort Wayne; his sister-in-law, Karen Schlemmer, of Garrett; and his sister-in-law, Virginia Fry, of Fort Wayne. His 16 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews have been a constant source of joy and pride. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carolyn Fleming; and brothers John Schlemmer and Dr. William Schlemmer. A memorial service will be held at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Huntertown Chapel, on Sunday, February 12, at 5 p.m. with calling beginning at 2 p.m. Memorials may be made to either the Angel Fund for Humane Fort Wayne (https://humanefw.org/donate/angel-fund/) or Soarin' Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation Center (https://www.soarinhawk.org/ways-to-give).